Don Looper, a tax and project finance attorney, and J. Wayne Ballew Jr., an energy attorney, opened a New Orleans office for their Houston-based law firm. The firm was renamed Looper Goodwine & Ballew PC, a Sept. 29 press release said. New Orleans-based offshore oil and gas attorney Paul (P.J.) Goodwine and his team joined the firm, the press release added.

The firm handles mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and other transactions in the domestic and international energy sectors, the press release added.

"We are building a great M&A and energy transactions practice for middle-market clients," said Looper, adding, "We have the ability to provide the same level of sophistication found in transactional groups at large law firms."

Looper has more than 30 years’ experience in international law. He structured and managed projects in more than 30 countries, including treaty issues and tax matters, the press release said.

Goodwine represents independent exploration and production companies, emphasizing offshore regulatory matters, the press release added.

Ballew, a petroleum engineer, has experience in energy financing transactions, acquisitions and divestitures and global joint ventures, the press release said.

Looper Goodwine & Ballew PC was formed earlier this year.